One of the questions that is not often asked is, "How should economic success in Steamboat Springs be measured?" Is it the number of jobs? Is it City sales tax collections, Is it lodging occupancy? Is it household income? Is it _?
When the logical reasons for doing something begin to fail rationalization takes over. It is what we do as humans when we really want to do something but there is no compelling or urgent reason for doing it.
In its simplest form, this is a discussion of wants vs. needs. If I want something but do not really need it or need it, but not right now, however I really want it now- I will find a host of rationalizations in an attempt to justify it as a "need" rather than a "want".
Deb's letter did not convince me of the critical need to sell the public safety building at this time or at this price. - The justifications raised in her letter, although very well articulated, sound more like rationalizations in an attempt to morph a want into a need.
Selling the public safety building without question creates a critical need. (Where are the police and fire folks going to go?) A need that did not exist until the building was sold off. Effective parents of teenagers do not let them get away with this tactic.
Let's not forget the simple truth that "Past is Prologue". What have we done in the past as a community where we rationalized a "want" into a "need"? I can think of a few examples.
I agree with Paul Bonnifield quote in this article.
"Ivancie is the type of person who can walk into a coffee shop and have conversations with residents to find out what the issues were in the county."
Good choice by the committee / thanks for your hard work.
Kathy and Terry are wonderful community members and it is great to see that they are going to be featured. Their whole staff is awesome and it will be fun so show them off. I know that they all did Steamboat Springs proud.
The get together to watch this episode at the Steamboat Smokehouse sounds like a great fun.
Good Morning Ruth -
You close your editorial with the statement, "Finally, these opinions are based on anecdotal evidence." At least locally I am good a moving beyond anecdotal evidence - to data/facts. Therefore, here is what we know:
In 2010 115-agriculture landowners in Routt County received payments from the US Department of Agriculture totaling in aggregate $895,129. In Routt County, the USDA payments were in the following areas:
• Conservation Subsidies $607,601 (72 recipients)
• Livestock Subsidies Commodity Subsidies $87,697 (recipients 7)
• Crop Subsidies Commodity Subsidies $181,800 ( # of recipients not disclosed)
• Disaster Payments $18,031 (4 recipients)
In the same year (2010) the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps/SNAP)-paid out $572,000 in benefits to 173 recipients.
Although not USDA programs the total federal, dollars paid out for income assistance in 2010 in Routt County was $2,955,000. The dollars paid out were typically associated with Consists largely of general assistance; expenditures for food under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Other Needs Assistance; refugee assistance; foster home care and adoption assistance; Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC); Child Tax Credits; and energy assistance.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expansion under title XIX of the Social Security Act totaling $9,749,000. A total of 671 recipients with about 40% of the recipients under the age of 6.
When these federal programs are viewed on a per Routt County Household basis in 2010 they cost:
USDA conservation/commodity subsidies and Disaster Payments = $88.11
USDA food stamps (SNAP) = $56.30
Income Assistance = $290.88
Medicaid/CHIP = $959.64
Sources: USDA/US Census / Bureau of Economic Analysis
I do not think it is necessary to consistently single out China as buyer of US debt. They are just one buyer of many. To be sure China holds the lion’s share US debt purchased by foreign governments.
Of the $16.1 trillion dollars – “We the People” (United States Citizens-US Private Institution, Social Security, Medicare, Federal Reserve, civil and military retirement funds) own almost 70% of this debt. This simply means that 30% of the US Debt is owned by foreign governments, private institutions and citizens in those countries.
“We the People of the United States …” ought to be mad at ourselves because we are by far the biggest buyer of own the debt. Social Security Administration because they are mandated by law alone buys almost twice what China buys on an annual basis of US debt.
We live in a very crazy time and world. I am surprised it works or at least we believe it works. What happens when there is no longer people/nations standing in line to buy US Debt at today’s ridiculously low interest rates? Even a small increase in the amount of interest we may need to pay to attract buyers of US debt will make the deficit and debt explode. The time is relatively short for us to begin working seriously on this.
Hi Maynard -
It is a misconception that China owns most of the US debt. For the fiscal year ending 9/30/2011 the US Department of Treasury is reported that of the $14.8 trillion dollars of National debt, China owned 9%. The biggest holder of US debt is United States citizens and institutions (30%); Social Security (17%); Federal Reserve (12%); US Civil Service and Military Retirement Funds(9%).
The remaining 32% is owned by foreign governments with China (9%); Japan (6%); United Kingdom (2%); and Albania to Zimbabwe (15%) with no nation in this A to Z group owning more than 1%.
So who has been buying this year's debt of $1.3 trillion? Essentially the same folks who have been buying it in the past. When all the paper work for the fiscal year just ended (9/30) is reported, China's share of the $1.3 trillion will be in the 8% to 9%.
The economy of the Yampa Valley and specifically that of Steamboat Springs is benefiting from the effects of accumulated advantage. In the context of our local economy this simply means that there are a lot more things working together to our benefit than working to our disadvantage. This effect, (accumulated advantage), is the driving force behind the growth of Location Neutral Businesses (LNBs) in our area.
Although there are dozens of examples of this occurring locally, the Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 is a great example of “accumulated advantage”. We know that there are thousands of individuals that have visited Steamboat Springs that imagine (dream) about living here. The reality is that relativly few start to explore that possibility and even a smaller subset of this group become serious about it enough to make a decision to move.
Within this subset there are some LNBs. They make the assessment that the technology and transportation infrastructure is adequate to meet their “business” needs. In this example, because they have kids – they also assess the education system and health care. Since SSSD-RE2 is currently rated the 7th best school district in the state of Colorado out of 183 school districts – it "helps" seal the deal. Since we have a great regional hospital and physicians, these become yet more icing on the cake. What's not to like!? Simply put, the list of things that we have going for us far outweigh the things that do not work well for us.
So how do we protect and enhance our community, i.e., our accumulated advantage? Focus first and foremost on being a great place to live. As a benefit – great places to live are typically, also great places to visit. As a result a small segment of those who visit will begin to explore moving here. Because of the household demographics of who moves here and who have the financial means to move here - median household income increases. From an economic development perspective this means sources of income and employment diversify, etc. Essentially all those things that make a local economy “tic” get better.
Scott Ford 4 months, 3 weeks ago on Our View: Looking ahead to 2013
Our View: Looking ahead to 2013
One of the questions that is not often asked is, "How should economic success in Steamboat Springs be measured?" Is it the number of jobs? Is it City sales tax collections, Is it lodging occupancy? Is it household income? Is it _?
What do we want our local economy to accomplish?
Scott Ford 4 months, 3 weeks ago on Donna Hellyer provides 1st impressions for visitors at Yampa Valley Regional Airport
Donna Hellyer provides 1st impressions for visitors at Yampa Valley Regional Airport
Donna is a wonderful lady - what a great person to welcome folks to the Yampa Valley.
Scott Ford 5 months, 1 week ago on Deb Hinsvark: The facts of the fire and police station move
Deb Hinsvark: The facts of the fire and police station move
When the logical reasons for doing something begin to fail rationalization takes over. It is what we do as humans when we really want to do something but there is no compelling or urgent reason for doing it.
In its simplest form, this is a discussion of wants vs. needs. If I want something but do not really need it or need it, but not right now, however I really want it now- I will find a host of rationalizations in an attempt to justify it as a "need" rather than a "want".
Deb's letter did not convince me of the critical need to sell the public safety building at this time or at this price. - The justifications raised in her letter, although very well articulated, sound more like rationalizations in an attempt to morph a want into a need.
Selling the public safety building without question creates a critical need. (Where are the police and fire folks going to go?) A need that did not exist until the building was sold off. Effective parents of teenagers do not let them get away with this tactic.
Let's not forget the simple truth that "Past is Prologue". What have we done in the past as a community where we rationalized a "want" into a "need"? I can think of a few examples.
Scott Ford 5 months, 1 week ago on Former city councilman Ivancie chosen to fill vacant seat on Routt County Board of Commissioners
Former city councilman Ivancie chosen to fill vacant seat on Routt County Board of Commissioners
Congratulations Steve -
I agree with Paul Bonnifield quote in this article.
"Ivancie is the type of person who can walk into a coffee shop and have conversations with residents to find out what the issues were in the county."
Good choice by the committee / thanks for your hard work.
Scott Ford 5 months, 2 weeks ago on PostNet CEO to be featured on 'Undercover Boss' episode that airs Friday
PostNet CEO to be featured on 'Undercover Boss' episode that airs Friday
How fun is this – Steamboat Springs style.
Kathy and Terry are wonderful community members and it is great to see that they are going to be featured. Their whole staff is awesome and it will be fun so show them off. I know that they all did Steamboat Springs proud.
The get together to watch this episode at the Steamboat Smokehouse sounds like a great fun.
Scott Ford 6 months ago on Rob Douglas: Barkey, Wiggins, Rae and 64
Rob Douglas: Barkey, Wiggins, Rae and 64
Hi Bob – Below are the head count in Routt County law enforcement by agency.
2010 Civilians/Officers: -Routt County: 26/21 = 47 - Hayden: 1/4 = 5 - Steamboat Springs: 13/23 = 36
2005 Civilians/Officers: -Routt County: 17/25= 42 - Hayden: 0/5 = 5 -Oak Creek: 0/2 - Steamboat Springs: 12/23 = 35
Source: Department of Justice/FBI/Crime in the US (Tables 78 & 80)
Population: 2010/2005 Hayden: 1,799/1,652 Oak Creek: 881/847 Steamboat Springs: 12,033/11,107 Yampa: 426/421 Unincorp. Area: 8,300/7,426
Source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs/Demography Division
Scott Ford 7 months, 1 week ago on Ruth Young: Redistribution of wealth
Ruth Young: Redistribution of wealth
Good Morning Ruth - You close your editorial with the statement, "Finally, these opinions are based on anecdotal evidence." At least locally I am good a moving beyond anecdotal evidence - to data/facts. Therefore, here is what we know:
In 2010 115-agriculture landowners in Routt County received payments from the US Department of Agriculture totaling in aggregate $895,129. In Routt County, the USDA payments were in the following areas: • Conservation Subsidies $607,601 (72 recipients) • Livestock Subsidies Commodity Subsidies $87,697 (recipients 7) • Crop Subsidies Commodity Subsidies $181,800 ( # of recipients not disclosed) • Disaster Payments $18,031 (4 recipients)
In the same year (2010) the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps/SNAP)-paid out $572,000 in benefits to 173 recipients.
Although not USDA programs the total federal, dollars paid out for income assistance in 2010 in Routt County was $2,955,000. The dollars paid out were typically associated with Consists largely of general assistance; expenditures for food under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Other Needs Assistance; refugee assistance; foster home care and adoption assistance; Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC); Child Tax Credits; and energy assistance.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expansion under title XIX of the Social Security Act totaling $9,749,000. A total of 671 recipients with about 40% of the recipients under the age of 6.
When these federal programs are viewed on a per Routt County Household basis in 2010 they cost: USDA conservation/commodity subsidies and Disaster Payments = $88.11 USDA food stamps (SNAP) = $56.30 Income Assistance = $290.88 Medicaid/CHIP = $959.64
Sources: USDA/US Census / Bureau of Economic Analysis
Scott Ford 7 months, 2 weeks ago on Rob Douglas: There's no free money
Rob Douglas: There's no free money
I do not think it is necessary to consistently single out China as buyer of US debt. They are just one buyer of many. To be sure China holds the lion’s share US debt purchased by foreign governments.
Of the $16.1 trillion dollars – “We the People” (United States Citizens-US Private Institution, Social Security, Medicare, Federal Reserve, civil and military retirement funds) own almost 70% of this debt. This simply means that 30% of the US Debt is owned by foreign governments, private institutions and citizens in those countries.
“We the People of the United States …” ought to be mad at ourselves because we are by far the biggest buyer of own the debt. Social Security Administration because they are mandated by law alone buys almost twice what China buys on an annual basis of US debt.
We live in a very crazy time and world. I am surprised it works or at least we believe it works. What happens when there is no longer people/nations standing in line to buy US Debt at today’s ridiculously low interest rates? Even a small increase in the amount of interest we may need to pay to attract buyers of US debt will make the deficit and debt explode. The time is relatively short for us to begin working seriously on this.
It’s a wee-bit scary.
Scott Ford 7 months, 2 weeks ago on maynardshort
maynardshort
Hi Maynard - It is a misconception that China owns most of the US debt. For the fiscal year ending 9/30/2011 the US Department of Treasury is reported that of the $14.8 trillion dollars of National debt, China owned 9%. The biggest holder of US debt is United States citizens and institutions (30%); Social Security (17%); Federal Reserve (12%); US Civil Service and Military Retirement Funds(9%).
The remaining 32% is owned by foreign governments with China (9%); Japan (6%); United Kingdom (2%); and Albania to Zimbabwe (15%) with no nation in this A to Z group owning more than 1%.
So who has been buying this year's debt of $1.3 trillion? Essentially the same folks who have been buying it in the past. When all the paper work for the fiscal year just ended (9/30) is reported, China's share of the $1.3 trillion will be in the 8% to 9%.
Scott Ford 7 months, 2 weeks ago on Our View: A better measuring stick is needed for marketing
Our View: A better measuring stick is needed for marketing
The economy of the Yampa Valley and specifically that of Steamboat Springs is benefiting from the effects of accumulated advantage. In the context of our local economy this simply means that there are a lot more things working together to our benefit than working to our disadvantage. This effect, (accumulated advantage), is the driving force behind the growth of Location Neutral Businesses (LNBs) in our area.
Although there are dozens of examples of this occurring locally, the Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 is a great example of “accumulated advantage”. We know that there are thousands of individuals that have visited Steamboat Springs that imagine (dream) about living here. The reality is that relativly few start to explore that possibility and even a smaller subset of this group become serious about it enough to make a decision to move.
Within this subset there are some LNBs. They make the assessment that the technology and transportation infrastructure is adequate to meet their “business” needs. In this example, because they have kids – they also assess the education system and health care. Since SSSD-RE2 is currently rated the 7th best school district in the state of Colorado out of 183 school districts – it "helps" seal the deal. Since we have a great regional hospital and physicians, these become yet more icing on the cake. What's not to like!? Simply put, the list of things that we have going for us far outweigh the things that do not work well for us.
So how do we protect and enhance our community, i.e., our accumulated advantage? Focus first and foremost on being a great place to live. As a benefit – great places to live are typically, also great places to visit. As a result a small segment of those who visit will begin to explore moving here. Because of the household demographics of who moves here and who have the financial means to move here - median household income increases. From an economic development perspective this means sources of income and employment diversify, etc. Essentially all those things that make a local economy “tic” get better.